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Give
the Gift of Health and Fitness this Winter
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by: ARA
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(ARA)
- In many parts of the country, when the
temperature drops, so does our activity level.
When the snow falls it is often hard to
participate in favorite activities like hiking,
biking and swimming -- so a lot of people cocoon.
Inactivity often leads to weight gain and the
winter “blahs,” but there is something you can
do to brighten the outlook for yourself, your
friends and family. “Give a gift that promotes
health and fitness this winter,” says Karen
Righthand, director of marketing at Atlas
Snow-Shoe Company. “Pick up a pair of snowshoes
for someone you love for a season filled with
healthy fun.”
Since anyone who lives in a cold climate can
participate in the sport daily, snowshoeing has
steadily been gaining in popularity with nearly
six million participants in the U.S. “It’s
like hiking, only you can go places you never
dreamed possible in your hiking boots,” says
Righthand.
And while hiking will only burn about 340 calories
per hour for the average person, snowshoeing will
burn twice that: 680 calories. “Snowshoeing is
the best bang-for-your-buck fat burning workout
you can get in the winter time,” says Cathy
Sassin, a world-class adventure racer, personal
trainer and nutrition consultant who cross-trains
year round.
Not only do you burn calories, you improve your
core body strength and balance, and get an aerobic
workout. Snowshoeing raises your heart rate and
compares favorably with activities such as
running, swimming, cross-country skiing and
bicycling. In fact, many cyclists, mountain
bikers, trail runners and adventure racers
snowshoe as a way to cross-train and improve their
cardio fitness during the winter months.
Snowshoeing can be done anywhere there are a few
inches of snow on the ground. Backyards, local
golf courses, hiking trail systems, national parks
and forests are all accessible to people with
snowshoes.
“One of the great things about this sport is its
affordability,” says Righthand. “You don’t
have to pay a lift-fee each time you want to go
down a hill, just strap on your snowshoes, grab
your poles and get out there.” An added bonus,
there are no limitations. Snowshoes can go
anywhere your feet can take you -- where there is
snow.
So, this winter, give a gift that will be
remembered and enjoyed for seasons to come. The
revitalizing outdoor experience and fitness
benefits of snowshoeing are guaranteed to provide
the healthiest present of all for mind, body and
soul. For more information, visit
www.atlassnowshoe.com or call (888) 48-ATLAS.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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